Aluminum-based Metal Research Articles

Robust Aluminum-Based Metal–Organic Framework Adsorbents with Heteroatom-Functionalized Nanochannels for Hexane Isomer Separation

Robust Aluminum-Based Metal–Organic Framework Adsorbents with Heteroatom-Functionalized Nanochannels for Hexane Isomer Separation

Detecting bubbles in world aluminum prices: Evidence from GSADF test

The aim of this research is to assess the existence of multiple bubbles in the global aluminum market by employing the Generalized Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) methodology. This method offers practical time series analysis tools for identifying periods of rapid price escalation, followed by subsequent collapses. Findings indicate the identification of six explosive bubbles occurring between January 1980 and March 2023, during which the aluminum price strayed from its underlying fundamental value. Additionally, this finding is consistent with the asset pricing model, which generally considers both fundamental and bubble components. Based on the empirical results, the aluminum price bubbles are positively influenced by the copper price, GDP, the U. S dollar index, industrialization of China, China’s urbanization rate, whereas the global aluminum production, oil price, and base metal price index have a negative explanatory effect on the aluminum price bubbles. To effectively stabilize the international aluminum price, policymakers are suggested to be vigilant in identifying bubble episodes and monitoring their progression. Additionally, regulatory authorities should implement measures to curb excessive speculative activity during periods of extreme market volatility, thereby mitigating excessive price fluctuations and the formation of aluminum bubbles.

Mechanistic insights into lithium-ion adsorption and isotope separation on ligand-tuned aluminum-based metal–organic frameworks

Mechanistic insights into lithium-ion adsorption and isotope separation on ligand-tuned aluminum-based metal–organic frameworks

Mechanism of Enhanced Fluoride Adsorption Using Amino-Functionalized Aluminum-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

Due to the increasing fluoride concentrations in water bodies, significant environmental concerns have arisen. This study focuses on aluminum-based materials with a high affinity for fluorine, specifically enhancing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with amino groups to improve their adsorption and defluorination performance. We systematically investigate the factors influencing and mechanisms governing the adsorption and defluorination behavior of amino-functionalized aluminum-based MOF materials in aqueous environments. An SEM, XRD, and FT-IR characterization confirms the successful preparation of NH2-MIL-101 (Al). In a 10 mg/L fluoride ion solution at pH 7.0, fluoride ion removal efficiency increases with the dosage of NH2-MIL-101 (Al), although the marginal improvement decreases beyond 0.015 g/L. Under identical conditions, the fluoride adsorption capacity of NH2-MIL-101 (Al) is seven times greater than that of NH2-MIL-101 (Fe). NH2-MIL-101 (Al) demonstrates effective fluoride ion adsorption across a broad pH range, with superior fluoride uptake in acidic conditions. At a fluoride ion concentration of 7 mg/L, with 0.015 g of NH2-MIL-101 (Al) at pH 3.0, adsorption equilibrium is achieved within 60 min, with a capacity of 31.2 mg/g. An analysis using adsorption isotherm models reveals that the fluoride ion adsorption on NH2-MIL-101 (Al) follows a monolayer adsorption model, while kinetic studies indicate that the predominant adsorption mechanism is chemical adsorption. This research provides a scientific basis for the advanced treatment of fluoride-containing wastewater, offering significant theoretical and practical contributions.

A novel Al-based MOF with straight channel and pocket pore structure for trace benzene adsorption and benzene/cyclohexane separation

Benzene (Bz) vapor poses significant health risks to humans, even at trace concentrations. Additionally, the separation and recycling of Bz and cyclohexane (Cy) is challenging due to their similar kinetic diameters and boiling points. Developing an adsorption-separation material with stronger interactions with Bz than with Cy could serve as a viable strategy for trace Bz adsorption and Bz/Cy separation. In this study, we present a novel aluminum-based metal–organic framework, ZJU-521(Al), composed of tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl)methane and a helical chain [Al5(OH)7(−COO)8]∞, featuring a simple network of one-way rods and tetrahedra. This framework exhibited a uniform micropore size of 7.23 Å and a specific surface area of 1,248 m2 g−1, demonstrating excellent trace Bz adsorption (4.18 mmol g−1) at P/P0 = 0.01, attributed to its straight channel and orthogonal-array pocket pore structure. The ideal adsorbed solution theory selectivity and separation factor values of ZJU-521(Al) for Bz/Cy were 22.50 and 6.20, respectively, indicating its potential as a material for Bz/Cy separation. Multicomponent simulations showed that Bz molecules were preferentially adsorbed in the pocket due to stronger interactions, such as Al–π interactions. Thus, ZJU-521(Al) exhibits stronger interactions with Bz than with Cy, facilitating effective Bz/Cy separation.

An ultrasound assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction and a composite ionic liquid-metal organic framework for sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analysis in fruit juice and environmental water samples

Aluminum-based metal organic framework composite containing ionic liquid was prepared and used as sorbent for extraction of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in list of priority pollutants of United States Environmental Protection Agency before their analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The dispersive micro solid-phase extraction method, known as a simple and fast method, was preferred as the extraction method. The optimized parameter conditions were 5 mL of sample solution, 10 min sonication by ultrasonic bath, 30 mg of sorbent, 30 °C extraction temperature, 0.1 mL of hexane as elution solvent with 5 min elution time. The suggested method presented that limit of detection and limit of quantification were in the range of 0.01–0.10 μg l-1, and 0.04–0.33 μg L-1, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day repeatability were within the ranges of 1.18–4.88 % and 1.02–5.06 %, respectively. The recoveries for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in peach juice, cherry juice, tap water and rain water samples were obtained in the range of 84.9–99.9 % for spiked 5, 50 and 100 μg l-1 standard polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons solution.

Characterization of the Aluminium-Based Metal Foam Properties for Automotive Applications

AbstractMetal foams are solids where the gas is filled inside uniformly in the metal matrix. Blowing agent supplies air inside the parent metal, and metal foam has emerged to be a promising material because of its low density, high absorption capacity, low thermal conductivity and high strength which finds its huge applications in automobile components. The present work deals with the application of the aluminium metal foam with different densities 200 and 400 kg/m3 in automobiles. Various tests such as toughness, hardness, bending and compression are carried out for four chosen densities, and the values are compared with the aluminium base metal. The result showed that the hardness value increased significantly by 24.48% with the rise in the density from 200 to 400 kg/m3. Maximum modulus of resilience for the low-density specimen is found to be 2.21 MJ/m3. Surface topography showed irregular pore shapes with discontinuity, resulting in a loss of cell integrity with the neighbouring cell walls. This affected the performance of the foam significantly. Thermal experiments were carried out to determine the thermal conductivity where thermal conductivity increased by 122% with the rise in the density from 200 to 400 kg/m3. Based on the results, it is concluded that aluminium foam with density 400 kg/m3 can be recommended for use in automobile applications due to its lightweight properties, which contribute to improving fuel efficiency, impact absorption capacity and the vehicle’s speed. Additionally, the air trapped within the foam cells serves as a sound barrier and insulator in cars.

Enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of ultrasonically assisted stir-cast AA7075 metal matrix composites in challenging corrosive environments

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites (AMMCs) find extensive applications in aerospace, defence, automotive, and various sectors on account of remarkable mechanical properties, lightweight nature, and excellent dimensional stability. In this research, AA7075 matrix material was reinforced with tungsten carbide ceramic particles with various 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 weight percentages (wt%) with the use of Ultrasonic assisted stir casing setup. The stir casted AA7075 MMCs were subjected to XRD, SEM, and density test to investigate the presence of elements, microstructure and density. The tensile, micro hardness, and wear test were performed on AL7075 based MMCs after conducting NaCl based spray test at the condition of spray pressure of 1.2 kg cm−2, spray duration of 120 h and PH value of 8.2 to determine the wear resistance, micro hardness and Ultimate Tensile Strength. The XRD test confirmed the presence of secondary phases such as Al2Cu, W2C, and MgZn2 with Al and WC phases. The SEM test confirmed the uniform dispersion and no more cluster formation upto 15 wt% WC addition and agglomeration of WC was occurred in the addition of 20 wt% of WC. The enhancing of wt% of WC improved the corrosion resistance, Micro hardness, UTS, wear and up to 15 wt% addition and decreases by the 20 wt% WC addition. The higher tensile strength 312 MPa was obtained from AA7075/15 wt%WC composite. The lower wear rate 0.11 mg m−1 was obtained from AA7075/15 wt%WC at 1000 m sliding distance with 1.2 m s−1 sliding velocity. The improved mechanical and tribological properties were mainly depended on strengthening mechanisms such as load transfer mechanism and dislocation strengthening mechanism.

Beyond Shell-Filling: Strong Enhancement of Electron Affinity of Metal Clusters through a Noninvasive Oriented External Electric Field.

Traditional electron counting rules, like the Jellium model, have long been successfully utilized in designing superhalogens by modifying clusters to have one electron less than a filled electronic shell. However, this shell-filling approach, which involves altering the intrinsic properties of the clusters, can be complex and challenging to control, especially in experiments. In this letter, we theoretically establish that the oriented external electric field (OEEF) can substantially enhance the electron affinity (EA) of diverse aluminum-based metal clusters with varying valence electron configurations, leading to the creation of superhalogen species without altering their shell arrangements. This OEEF approach offers a noninvasive alternative to traditional superatom design strategies, as it does not disrupt the clusters' geometrical structures and superatomic states. These findings contribute a vital piece to the puzzle of constructing superalkalis and superhalogens, extending beyond conventional shell-filling strategies and potentially expanding the range of applications for functional clusters.

Electrocoagulation employing recycled aluminum electrodes for methylene blue remediation

This work focuses on the recycling of aluminum-based metal joinery waste in the context of the treatment of wastewater containing organic materials, such as dyes, by electrocoagulation (EC); aluminum scraps were used as electrodes to process synthetic solutions of the methylene blue (MB) dye. The study investigated the effect of different parameters, including pH (3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11) current density (100, 150, 200, 250 A/m2), electrolysis time (30, 60,120 min), sodium chloride concentration (0.5, 1, 2 g/L) and the initial dye concentration (10, 20, 45, 60 mg/L) on the removal efficiency of MB. The results showed that the optimum conditions for MB removal were achieved at the original pH of the solution which is 7 using a current density of 200 A/m2 and an inter-electrode distance of 1 cm with 10 mg/L as a dye concentration and 2 g/L of electrolyte. The removal efficiency under these conditions can reach 97.81 %. An estimation was made of the electrical energy needed to attain the ideal removal, which was found to be approximately 0.97kWh/g removal dyestuff the electrode consumption was 0.13 (kgAl /g of dyestuff), with an operation cost of 0.106 ($/g of dyestuff). The study suggests that EC using only two aluminum electrodes is efficient technique for the removal of MB from synthetic wastewater. The removal of the dye was monitored by UV–visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is used for the identification of the functional groups of MB in the obtained sludge by the EC process; and the aluminum electrodes surfaces, before and after treatment, were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Dispersive Energy Spectroscopy (EDS).

Hydrothermal Hot Isostatic Pressing (HHIP)-Experimental Proof of Concept.

A new hydrothermal hot isostatic pressing (HHIP) approach, involving hydrothermal water conditions and no usage of inert gas, was hypothesized and tested on 3D-printed Al-10%Si-0.3%Mg (%Wt) parts. The aluminum-based metal was practically inert at the applied HHIPing conditions of 300-350 MPa and 250-350 °C, which enabled the employment of a long (6-24 h) HHIP treatment with hardly any loss of material (the overall loss due to corrosion was mostly <0.5% w/w). Applying the new approach on the above-mentioned samples resulted in an 85.7% reduction in the AM micro-pores, along with a 90.8% reduction in the pores' surface area at a temperature of 350 °C, which is much lower than the 500-520 °C applied in common argon-based aluminum HIPing treatments, while practically maintaining the as-recieved microstructure. These results show that better mechanical properties can be expected when using the suggested treatment without affecting the material fatigue resistance due to grain growth. The proof of concept presented in this work can pave the way to applying the new HHIPing approach to other AM metal parts.

Hydroxyl-functionalized linker endows an ultra-microporous aluminum based metal–organic framework with electronegative site for enhancing ethane/ethylene separation

Efficient purification of ethylene (C2H4) from the cracking gas containing a small amount of ethane (C2H6) by selective adsorption of C2H6 is meaningful but remains challenging. Aluminum-based metal–organic frameworks (Al-MOFs) with ultra-microporous structure show preferential adsorption of C2H6 over C2H4, relying on the existence of multiple hydrogen bonding acceptors (e.g., AlO6 polyhedra) for C2H6 molecule in the confined pores. However, most Al-MOFs exhibit limited C2H6/C2H4 selectivity (<2), which lack other strong preferential binding sites for C2H6. Here we report that a hydroxyl functionalized Al-MOF (i.e., CAU-1-OH) exhibits notably improved C2H6/C2H4 selectivity (2.13) and C2H6 uptake (3.95 mmol g−1) at 298 K and 1 bar compared to its amino-functionalized counterpart, CAU-1-NH2. Prior to experiment, theoretical calculations were performed, revealing that O atom from hydroxyl group in CAU-1-OH acts as a fairly strong hydrogen bond acceptor due to its more negative charge than N atom in CAU-1-NH2. The in-situ infrared experiment further confirmed the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds (C–H⋅⋅⋅O) between CAU-1-OH and C2H6 molecules, which plays vital role for C2H6-selective capture. The actual potential for C2H4 purification was fully demonstrated by dynamic breakthrough experiments, in which CAU-1-OH displayed excellent separative performance from C2H6/C2H4 (1/15, v/v) mixture. Moreover, the structural stability and excellent recyclability suggested and the promise for cost-effective industrial application in C2H6/C2H4 separation.

The Production of Three-Dimensional Metal Objects Using Oscillatory-Strain-Assisted Fine Wire Shaping and Joining.

Material shaping and joining are the two fundamental processes that lie at the core of many forms of metal manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing. Current metal additive manufacturing processes such as laser/e-beam powder bed fusion and Directed Energy Deposition predominantly use heat and subsequent melt-fusion and solidification to achieve shaping and joining. The energy efficiency of these processes is severely limited due to energy conversion losses before energy is delivered at the point of melt-fusion for shaping and joining, and due to losses through heat transfer to the surrounding environment. This manuscript demonstrates that by using the physical phenomenon of lowered yield stress of metals and enhanced diffusion in the presence of low amplitude high frequency oscillatory strain, metal shaping and joining can be performed in an energy-efficient way. The two performed simultaneously enable a metal additive manufacturing process, namely Resonance-Assisted Deposition (RAD), that has several unique capabilities, like the ability to print net-shape components from hard-to-weld alloys like Al6061 and the ability to print components with a very high aspect ratio. In this study, we show this process's capabilities by printing solid components using aluminum-based metal alloys.

Comparison of Machinability of Al-4.5%Cu/TiB2/3p MMC for Multi-Layer Coated Insert: Validated FEM and Statistical Approaches

Aluminum-based Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) are commonly used in metal-cutting applications due to their better mechanical and physical properties, such as high strength, hardness, and low weight. Also, modern coating applications, especially multi-layer coated tools, have the cutting-edge potential for relieving the difficulties of machining MMCs to improve insert performances. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the turning Al-4.5%Cu/TiB2/3p performance of the multi-layer coated cemented carbide insert with verified FEM and statistical approaches. Different coating materials, two and three of which were soft and hard, were appointed at different thicknesses and sequences in the design of experimentally calibrated simulations. The Grey Relation Analysis (GRA) was set to investigate the multi-layer coated insert performance for turning the MMC concerning the resultant cutting forces (FR) and maximum insert temperature (Tmax). The optimal multi-layered coating was found at levels 4-2-4-3-2 for the factors of coating materials: tungsten disulfide (WS2), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), titanium nitride (TiN), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and titanium carbo-nitride (TiCN), respectively. The contribution rates of each factor were significant concerning General Linear Model (GLM) at 47.13% and 24.43% for WS2 and Al2O3 coatings materials, respectively. In the future, multi-layered coatings can be a valuable solution for the difficulties of machining the MMCs.

Physicomechanical, Wettability, Corrosion, Thermal, and Microstructural Morphology Characteristics of Carbonized and Uncarbonized Bagasse Ash Waste-Reinforced Al-0.45Mg-0.35Fe-0.25Si-Based Composites: Fabrications and Characterizations.

An effort was being made to incorporate waste bagasse ash (WBA) both in carbonized and uncarbonized form into the formulation of Al6063 matrix-based metal matrix composites (MMC's) by partially substituting ceramic particles for them. In the process of developing composites, comparative research on carbonized WBA and uncarbonized bagasse powder was carried out in the role of reinforcement. Microstructure investigations revealed that carbonized WBA particles were properly distributed throughout the aluminum-base metal matrix alloy. They also had the appropriate level of wettability. The reinforcement of carbonized WBA particles in AA6063-based matrix material had a maximum tensile strength of 110 MPa and a maximal hardness of 39 BHN when 3.75 wt % of the particles were used. The deterioration in tensile strength (6.25 wt % of WBA) and the appearance of porosity and blowholes can be enumerated by tensile fractography-based scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The reinforcement of carbonized WBA particles in AA6063-based matrix material was found to have a maximal percent elongation of 14.42% and the highest fracture toughness of 15 Joules when 1.25 wt % of the particles were employed. For AA6063/3.75 wt % carbonized WBA-based MMC's, the minimum percent porosity was determined to be 5.83, and the minimum thermal expansion was found to be 45 mm3. As the percentage of reinforcement in bagasse-reinforced composites increases, the density of the material, the amount of corrosion loss, and the cost all decrease gradually. The AA6063 matrix, with a composition of 3.75 wt % carbonized WBA-based MMC's, had satisfactory specific strength and corrosion loss. The AA6063 alloy composite's microstructure analysis revealed that carbonized WBA enhanced the material's mechanical characteristics, contributing to its excellent mechanical capabilities. The results of the corrosion test showed that carbonized WBA-reinforced composites exhibited reduced weight loss due to corrosion, whereas uncarbonized bagasse powder was an inappropriate reinforcement. The SEM analysis of AA6063 alloy/3.75 wt % carbonized WBA ash reinforcement-based MMC's exposed to a 3.5 wt % NaCl solution has exhibited the development of corrosion pits as a result of localized attack by the corrosive environment. The thermal expansion test showed that the composite with uncarbonized bagasse powder as reinforcement have a high shrinkage rate in comparison with the composite with 3.75 wt %. The composite's mechanical characteristics and thermal stability were enhanced by the presence of hard phases like SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, and MgO, as revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis. This made it suitable for use in a variety of applications.

Investigate the mechanical properties of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract The objective of this study is to produce metal matrix composites with aluminium as the matrix material and beryl as the reinforcing particles. Given the comparable density of beryl particles to Aluminum-based alloys, it is anticipated that enhancements in strength and ductility properties will lead to increased mechanical and tribological characteristics, including hardness and wear resistance. Extensive research has been conducted on aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) in the recent past, specifically focusing on the utilisation of ceramic reinforcements such as silicon carbide (SiC), titanium nitride (TiN), Titanium Diboride (TiB2), zirconia (ZrO2), and alumina (Al2O3). Typically, the ceramic particles employed for reinforcement exhibit notable hardness and high density, resulting in enhanced hardness and improved Tribological wear characteristics. Aluminium-based metal matrix composites (AMMC) were produced by including varying concentrations of beryl (3%, 8%, and 13%) through two distinct fabrication methods: the liquid metallurgy vortex route and the powder metallurgy approach. The beryl mineral phase was initially subjected to crushing and mechanical sieving processes to get particle sizes with an average of 50 ± 10 and 100 ± 10 μm. The mechanical qualities, including hardness and tensile strength, were examined using the Brinell hardness machine and the Universal testing equipment.

On the Possibility of Using Secondary Alloys in the Production of Aluminum-Based Metal Matrix Composite

Aluminum-based composites provide tribological performance and thermophysical properties that, combined with being lightweight, are suitable for their application in automotive brake discs. Aluminum alloys allow the use of secondary materials to produce composites, with the drawback of several elements, impurities, and oxides that can harm the mechanical and thermophysical properties. This preliminary study explored the mechanical and thermophysical performance of a composite material produced with a secondary matrix alloy. Overall, the results are promising, with a minimal decrease in mechanical and thermophysical properties despite clustered silicon carbide particles in the composite with the secondary matrix. The challenges in effectively dispersing carbides in the melt seem linked to aluminum oxides, and future microstructural investigations will aim to clarify this aspect.

Towards a self-healing aluminum metal matrix composite: Design, fabrication, and demonstration

This paper presents a novel approach to designing and synthesizing a self-healing aluminum-based metal matrix composite (MMC) at the macro-scale. The composite comprises an Al 5083 matrix embedded with low melting point particles (LMPPs) that act as healing agents. A two-step electroless micro-encapsulation process is developed to create LMMPs with a diffusion and thermal barrier designed to protect the Zn-8Al core with a Co-P shell. The MMC is fabricated using spark plasma sintering. Following controlled total fracture under tension, external compressive force is applied during heat treatment to heal the fracture effectively. The evolution of phases and interfaces is characterized using electron microscopy, and transient liquid phase bonding (TLPB) is identified as the fracture-healing mechanism, facilitated in areas with sufficiently high Zn concentration to fill the crack. The design can be expanded to incorporate other matrix and LMMP materials, mechanical crack volume reduction by integrating shape memory alloy (SMA) reinforcement during MMC synthesis, and processing of the self-healing MMC using Directed Energy Deposition additive manufacturing.

AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW ON THE ROLE OF METAL MATRIX NANOCOMPOSITES IN THE RECENT RESEARCH AREAS

Metal matrix nanocomposites have received more focus in the last two decades because of their desirable alternative features. Many researchers have made several attempts to identify the suitable nanoreinforcement particles for getting improved results in various applications. Many of them tried to improve the properties of several metal matrix nanocomposite materials including mechanical properties, electrical properties, barrier properties, structural properties, moisture permeability, etc., with the help of a variety of techniques. Research study results revealed that the addition of nanosized reinforcement particles improved the mechanical and wear characteristics of aluminum-based metal matrix composites. Metal matrix nanocomposites are being employed in many application areas such as in biomedical field, self-cleaning marble coating application, antimicrobial application and wear-resistant coating application. This review workhas gone through a bulk of research works related to metal matrix nanocomposites. The entire study has been grouped under a few major categories such as synthesis of nanocomposites, characterization study on various nanocomposites, application areas of various nanocomposites, optimization works carried out on nanocomposites, and risk management of nanocomposites.

Bond formation between aluminum-based metal matrix composites and aluminum alloys in compound castings

Bond formation between aluminum-based metal matrix composites and aluminum alloys in compound castings